Gastown’s coffee scene is brimming with unique and inviting cafes, each offering an array of expertly brewed coffees and delightful snacks.
And as someone born and raised in Vancouver, I’ve spent a lot of time at some of these Gastown cafes.
Quick Recommendations: visit Revolver Coffee and Timbertrain Coffee
We’ve compiled our picks of the best Gastown coffee shops below:
1. Revolver Coffee
What to order: latte, espresso
Address: 325 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4
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2. The Birds & The Beets
The Birds & The Beets in Gastown is a popular destination for those seeking quality food and coffee in a stylish setting. This cafe is visually appealing, making it a great spot for a relaxed hangout or solo visits. Their menu includes a delightful Breakfast Sandwich, Vegan Coconut-Cinnamon Roll, Turkey Sandwich, and a variety of coffees and teas.
What to order: Breakfast Sandwich, Vegan Coconut-Cinnamon Roll, Turkey Sandwich, Toast & Jam
Address: 55 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9
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🍕 Foodie? Check out these top-rated Vancouver food tours!
3. Milano Espresso Lounge
Milano, a family-owned coffee shop in Vancouver since the 1980s, brings Italian coffee culture to the city. As Vancouver’s only espresso tasting bar, they offer a unique experience with eight espresso samples to try.
Their standout blend, La Futura, features toffee, spice, and floral notes. They also excel in pour-overs, Turk Island drip, French press blends, and an indulgent Iced latte.
What to order: La Futura, Turk Island drip, French press blends, Iced latte, raspberry mocha
Address: 36 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7
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4. Nemesis Coffee
Nestled in Gastown, Nemesis offers a relaxed setting with exceptional pastries. Their coffee menu, featuring a rotating selection of beans for pour-over or espresso, is complemented by delicious food options.
The classic chocolate cookie, French Toast, Avocado Toast, and Pistachio Kouign Amann pair wonderfully with their coffees. It’s a bustling place on weekends, perfect for early birds seeking a cozy spot.
What to order: French Toast, Avocado Toast, Pistachio Kouign Amann
Address: 302 W Hastings Street
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5. Nelson the Seagull
Nelson the Seagull is a chill coffee shop that alongside delectable coffee, serves some mouth-melting pastries as well. Get a coffee with oat milk or perhaps an iced americano.
At their open kitchen, you can catch the action and order fresh bread and tasty baked goods. But what they are best known for and what you really MUST have while at Nelson the Seagull is the avocado toast, which we listed in our ultimate Vancouver food bucket list.
For your sweet tooth, perhaps chocolate chunk macadamia nut oatmeal cookie or their warm, freshly-baked croissants.
Whether you were wondering about the name of the cafe, it’s inspired by an old English folksong and Nelson Mandela.
What to order: avocado toast, chocolate chunk macadamia nut oatmeal cookie, croissants
Address: 315 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6A 0A7
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6. Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
Situated in Gastown, Timbertrain is a must-visit coffee spot. With a train-themed setting, it brings a vibrant atmosphere. Known for serving the creamiest cold brew in Vancouver, they also excel in pour-overs, made right at their impressive brew station.
Their popularity extends beyond their cafe, as many other coffee shops in Vancouver source beans from them.
What to order: Cold Brew, pour over
Address: 311 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4K2
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7. Saunter Coffee
Nestled on West Pender Street, Downtown Vancouver, Saunter Coffee offers a cozy escape with a hidden garden patio. Specializing in classic drinks, their Iced Latte and Mocha stand out for their smoothness and rich flavours. The Matcha Latte is a must-try for its earthy, nutty taste with bitter undertones, while the London Fog entices with savory floral black tea notes.
What to order: Iced Latte, London Fog, Matcha Latte, Mocha
Address: 321 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T3
8. Aiyaohno Cafe
Situated in the historic BC Electric Railway Building, Aiyaohno Cafe is a peaceful haven featuring a rustic ambiance. Renowned for their Sakura Latte, it uniquely combines salted and floral cherry blossom flavours. Don’t miss their Iced Yuzu Ginger and the array of delicious cookies, including Matcha Pecan and Chocolate Roasted Walnut, offering a perfect chewy center and crispy edges.
What to order: Sakura Latte, Yuzu Ginger Ice Drinks, Matcha Pecan Cookie, Chocolate Roasted Walnut Cookie, Birseed Cookie
Address: 425 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6E3
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9. Di Beppe Caffe
This Italian cafe in Gastown offers coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and more in a European-inspired setting. Ideal for morning espressos or evening wines, their Cappuccino is notable, served with an almond cookie. Also, try their Affogato, a delightful blend of ice cream and espresso. Their Mortadella Sandwich is a lunchtime hit, offering rich cured meat and melted cheese flavors.
What to order: Cappuccino, Affogato, Mortadella Sandwich, Salumi Pizza, Antipasti Salad
Address: 2 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9
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10. Cafe Kitsune
Experience Parisian café culture in Vancouver at Cafe Kitsune. Known for great coffee, pastries, and lunch plates, their classic lattes and cappuccinos are day brighteners. The Turmeric Latte offers a unique, mild earthy taste.
For lunch, the Smoked Salmon Croque Madame, paired with an organic green salad, is a standout, alongside their famous Butter Croissant and Black Sesame Cruffin.
What to order: Turmeric Latte, Iced Matcha Latte, Butter Croissant, Black Sesame Cruffin, Smoked Salmon Croque Madame
Address: 157 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A7
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11. Purebread
Located in Gastown, Purebread is a pastry paradise with an array of sweet treats like creme brulee buns, butter tarts, and fruit-glazed pastries. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings after brunch, expect a beautifully decorated space filled with the enticing aromas of vanilla and baking.
What to order: creme brulee buns, butter tart
Address: 159 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H5
Well, there you have it, the best Gastown coffee shops for your next caffeine fix! We hope you visit them all and enjoy the great coffee.
Looking for great spots to eat at? Well check out our picks of the best restaurants in Vancouver!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.